Premier League match stopped as star given oxygen and lengthy treatment after sickening collision

Brighton star Jan Paul van Hecke was left needing oxygen and a neck brace after a painful collision late in his side's game with . The Dutch defender clashed heads with Bees ace Yunus Konak.

Van Hecke initially sat up but medical staff soon laid him back down after realising there was a problem. After receiving lengthy treatment which went on for almost nine minutes, the 24-year-old was stretchered off the pitch as fans applauded him. He was replaced by January signing Eiran Cashin.

Brentford's Konak was also withdrawn but was able to exit on his own without the intervention of medical staff. The game eventually ticked over past the 110-minute mark with the pause delaying proceedings for some time.

Brighton will keep a close eye on Van Hecke and will now have the Premier League's concussion guidelines in mind ahead of that game. A player suspected of suffering from concussion are not permitted to return to play for at least six days.

Van Hecke, a four-time Dutch international, was signed from NAC Breda in 2020. He has gone on to make 87 appearances for - 35 of which have come this season.

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He was actually sent off during his previous outing having been dismissed late on against for two bookable offences. The defender was consequently banned for their last game - a 2-2 draw against struggling .

Brighton eventually ended up losing 4-2 against Brentford on Saturday, with their European hopes taking a hit in the process. Bryan Mbeumo scored twice for Brentford, with Yoane Wissa and Christian Norgaard also finding the net. Brighton found the net through Danny Welbeck and Kaoru Mitoma. Brazilian striker Joao Pedro was also sent off just after the hour mark.

Explaining that decision, the Premier League said: "The referee’s call of red card to João Pedro was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the actions deemed as violent conduct."

Former Premier League star Stephen Warnock believed that the decision was correct. Speaking on Radio 5 Live, he said: "It was silly from Joao Pedro but this is not the first time we have seen that from him this season. He has got previous.

"It looks like the arms come up into an area and you think, why are you doing that? Completely off the ball. From what we saw initially I think it is a red card."

The defeat leaves Brighton sitting tenth in the Premier League table, now just two points and one place ahead of Saturday's opponents Brentford. Fabian Hurzeler's side are next back in action next Saturday as they welcome former boss back to the Amex as they take on .

Meanwhile, Brentford's next outing pits them against surprise package in early May. The Bees will no doubt be monitoring Konak, who was involved in the incident.

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